Summer is the time for outdoor fun, barbecues, lazy days, family trips…and soaring temperatures. While your AC system usually provides sweet relief from the summer heat, sometimes it fails you, leaving you hotter than ever. When your air conditioner is out of commission, it’s time to get creative with how you keep cool. Check out our favorite ways to beat the summer heat when the AC isn’t working.
Call H.J Faust for Immediate Assistance
If your AC is not functioning correctly or at all, call an experienced HVAC technician to come assess the problem and perform the necessary repairs. At H.J. Faust, we pride ourselves on our ability to quickly respond to calls about broken AC units in Burlington, WI, and the neighboring areas, so you can count on us to keep your home cool.
Stay Hydrated
One of the simplest and most effective ways to beat the heat is to drink plenty of cold water. When the air is heavy and hot, your body needs to replace the fluids it loses through sweating. Hydration helps keep your core body temperature under control and prevents dehydration, which can cause dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of cold water daily or more if you’re spending time outdoors.
Fruits and vegetables also play a role in hydration because many have high water content. Watermelon, cucumber, oranges, strawberries, and celery are excellent choices to keep you hydrated while providing a refreshing snack.
Close the Blinds
Summer may be a great time to let the natural light in, but high temperatures will cause the heat in your house to go up, too! Close your curtains or invest in blackout shades to help keep your house cooler. This is especially important on the sides of your house that get direct sunlight throughout the day.
Know When to Open and Close Your Windows
Another way to beat the heat is to open your windows at night and close them before it gets too hot outside. At night, the temperatures and humidity are often low, so you can bring in that colder air with a box fan to stay cool while you sleep. Just make sure you wake up early enough to close the windows before it gets too hot out, or you will be blowing the hot air right into your home!
Use Fans
Consider using fans strategically placed throughout your home to create cross-ventilation. Even without AC, a fan can make you feel much more comfortable, especially if it’s placed in front of an open window. You can also sit in front of a fan placed behind a bowl of ice. The cool, moist air from the ice will help lower your body temperature.
Do More Cooking Outdoors
Try to avoid using your oven or stove top during particularly warm days. The heat from cooking can radiate throughout your home, only making it feel hotter. So, take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy a cold beverage while cooking outside. Remember to wear light-colored and loose clothing while cooking outside to keep the heat from clinging to your skin.
Hang Out in Your Home’s Lowest Level
Try to spend most of your time on the ground floor or in the basement of your home. Since hot air rises, the upper stories will be much hotter than the ground floor and basement. If your upper levels don’t cool down at night, try moving a mattress or air mattress to the lower floors to help you sleep more comfortably.
Cool Down With Water
Water can be your best friend when your AC isn’t working. Taking a cool shower or bath is a fast way to cool down. Alternatively, you could soak a washcloth in cold water and apply it as a cold compress to your forehead, neck, and wrists. A dip in a pool, lake, or ocean can also help bring your body temperature down quickly.
Prioritize Rest and Relaxation
Extreme heat can make you feel sluggish and tired. Listen to your body and prioritize rest and relaxation during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid strenuous activity and opt for lighter exercise routines during cooler hours.
Schedule AC Service Today and Beat the Heat All Summer Long
While these tips can certainly provide temporary relief from the heat when your AC is down, there’s no substitute for a fully functional air conditioning unit. Stay ahead of complications by scheduling AC maintenance with H.J. Faust, Inc. Our team of experienced technicians can keep your system running optimally at the height of summer. We can also provide mini split maintenance and repair, so no matter what type of system you have, you can trust we have the perfect solution for your needs.
Contact our experts today, and let us take care of the heat so you can focus on all the joys summer has to offer!
